The Real Insurance XCM Series has been laying dormant since the Stevens Bikes Husky 100, at the end of June. There have been a few races going on through July and August to keep Australian Marathon racers content. Some went to the Three Ring Circus, others raced the JetBlack 12hr, went skiing, or went to Europe. The Wollombi Wild Ride will be taking place on 1st September, and the racing is still tight for the series. Only 600 points separate 1st to 30th position. A lot of people expect Shaun Lewis to take another win, but it could easily be Adrian Jackson’s turn to step onto the podium. Here’s what a few contenders have been up to, and what they are predicting for race day.
Andrew Hall – Radical Lights Factory Racing
What have you been doing since the last XCM Race?
Hanging out in euro-land racing the Trans Alps stage race, and then hitting up some local 7hr and 12hr solo races.
Who is the favourite to win?
I’ve got my money on Shaun Lewis again
Is the XCM Series now part of your National XC build up?
XC – pffft – that stuff is too short for me. I need a good few hours of racing to warm up (and for the others to slow down).
You’re in a car on the way to an XCM event – who’s the best person to travel with?
My wife Robyn – she keeps me away from the road house pies.
What’s your favourite post XCM meal?
A big Indian curry!
The Wollombi Wild Ride is part of a heavy schedule for Andrew Hall
Anthony Shippard: Jet Racing
What have you been doing since the last XCM Race?
Since the last race at Husky, I raced at the 3 Ring Circus, and then took 3 weeks off the bike completely to head home for the Olympics. Lots of food, a fair few beers, and maybe even the odd late night, has left me with some extra padding, and a little less strength. Still – 2 weeks of training in the bag since then, I should be fine!
Who is the favourite to win?
I haven’t seen a start list yet…..but – despite his similar trip to London, Shaun Lewis is pretty much the only guy winning these races right? Andy Blair will always be very very close to the front, and Jason English always takes some beating! There are always others that will be there on the line. There are rumours of some roadies turning up too….
Is the XCM Series now part of your National XC build up?
For me – no. I suck at straight XC. I race them because they are fun, but I have no pretentions of being a straight XCO rider. I prefer the marathons, and even read somewhere that I was considered a marathon ‘specialist’ – very flattering (although it was probably a veiled assault at how poor my XC racing is!).
You’re in a car on the way to an XCM event – who’s the best person to travel with?
Someone that brushes their teeth and know the way? Seriously, the Jet team (Kyle, Garry, Jayden) is fun to be around – we dont talk about the racing, so it feels more like a road trip than a race. We keep each other relaxed.
What’s your favourite post XCM meal?
Favourite meal after a race would have to be some ‘Happy Goblin’ strong ale, with some sort of Miss Chu style vietnamese rice / dumplings, finished off with a tapioca and coconut cream desert.
Shippard – the captain of the Jet Racing ship. Photo: Dave HydeShippard – the captain of the ship. Photo: Dave Hyde
Justin Morris: Team Type 1
What have you been doing since the last XCM Race?
My last XCM race was the 2011 Highland fling. Since then, have been living and racing in the USA with Team Type1-Sanofi. A great experience with a fabulous team and am excited to continue flying the Team Type1 flag here down under! This will be the first big hit out on the MTB for nearly a year.
Who is the favourite to win?
I have been keeping a keen eye on the Real Insurance XCM series whilst overseas this year and Shaun Lewis’ form has been super impressive!! I have’nt seen a complete start list but I know the current XCM champ Blairy has recently won in the Convict which seems to have a similar course profile. These two seem to be the stand out performers at the moment.
Is the XCM Series now part of your National XC build up?
The real Insurance XCM series was a core part of my schedule in 2011, I was impressed with each one of the events they held. This year I am only able to attend the final 2 rounds, but this race will definately be a strong litmus test for the upcoming Crocodile Trophy in October which I have committed to giving another bash this year. That will be my focus for the remainder of 2012.
You’re in a car on the way to an XCM event – who’s the best person to travel with?
The best person to travel with from a bike race is someone who doesn’t give a toss about bikes or bike racing. After generally being in the box from bike riding for hours on end, the least appealing thing for me is to start bangin’ on about bikes for hours of driving. But generally, if you have air conditioning in your car- I’m keen!
What’s your favourite post XCM meal?
I love to smash food! Donuts, KFC, Big steak! Many cyclists bag fast food but I smash it like its going out of fashion and I’m a new trend setter. Especially after I’ve just burned 5000+ calories in a race. Protein and fat is excellent recovery formula!
Justin and Mike – pretty grubby after their time in the FNQ dirt
Andrew Blair: Swell-Redshift
What have you been doing since the last XCM Race?
Skiing! It’s been an awesome break off the bike with plenty of snow…best strength training you can get. Lately though, I have had to tear myself away from the hill and get back on the bike. Marathon Worlds is the next big thing on the agenda, and that isn’t really a race you want to do half-arsed.
Who is the favourite to win?
I haven’t seen a start list. It could be an interesting one because from what I’ve read the course is pretty fast and open. It doesn’t sound hilly or technical enough to suit me too well, but might be good for a T-Day or Mather type rider, or even Camo Peterson. However, in order for the XCM series to still be alive going into the last race I have to win, so I think I might have to take some tactical and equipment risks. That should make it pretty interesting.
Is the XCM Series now part of your National XC build up?
No not really, it is so spread out that it actually makes planning the season quite hard. I will have had 3 mini breaks this year instead of one big one. I will have one after the Fling and then build up again for the XCO champs.
You’re in a car on the way to an XCM event – who’s the best person to travel with?
Shaun Lewis, the drive home can be a bit quiet though depending on the result.
What’s your favourite post XCM meal?
Pizza or BBQ. But it is usually just drive-through cheese burgers on the side of the highway.
Blair – apres ski and ready for the XCM Series. Photo: Richie Tyler
Jenny Fay: Rockstar Racing
What have you been doing since the last XCM Race?
I took a break from the bike for a few weeks of relaxation and recreation with family and friends in Europe…and hid the weighing scales, which I think I broke now!
Who is the favourite to win?
The course seems flat and fast, so presuming it will come down to a sprint finish, the man to beat is Shaun Lewis. I hope to be up there on the podium with him, making it four from five races in the XCM Series for Rockstar Racing male and female elite riders.
Is the XCM Series now part of your National XC build up?
The XCM Series will only carry through some base for the XC races, as there is a different training world of hurt waiting for me in that season following the last marathon race in November.
You’re in a car on the way to an XCM event – who’s the best person to travel with?
Anyone who knows me well enough to make me laugh ( basically distract the nerves), play some decent tunes and won’t lock the windows when they make bad smells!
What’s your favourite post XCM meal?
Usually, it’s the food I can’t eat when I am training between races – doesn’t smell or taste like a steamed vegetable, preferably executed from a deep fat fryer!
The lovely Jenny Fay is showing her competitors a clean pair of heels this season. Photo: CycleNation